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Malaysia ushers in new era for Asean

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenun Pahang Diraja, handwoven by inmates of Bentong Prison, took centre stage last night as Asean and world leaders donned the exquisite fabric at the Gala Dinner of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits here. Highlighting Malaysia’s rich cultural artistry, 31 inmates trained in Tenun Pahang Diraja crafted 35 handwoven fabrics, each measuring three metres in length and 0.88m wide, to create shirts for the leaders attending the prestigious event. Prison Chief Inspector Wan Yuzaini Wan Samsudin said 16 inmates were responsible for pre-weaving tasks, including thread preparation and dyeing, while 15 others focused on intricate weaving using traditional wooden looms. Guided by skilled trainers, the inmates spent about a month selecting the colours, patterns and designs, followed by three months of weaving. “It is a true testament to their dedication and craftsmanship. I am extremely proud and deeply moved to see the creations of our inmates showcased internationally and recognised on the global stage.” Wan Yuzaini, who is the officer in charge of the Tenun Pahang Diraja workshop at Bentong Prison, added that such recognition inspires both inmates and prison officers to nurture skilled artisans capable of producing high-quality and artistically valuable works. He explained that the colour combination chosen for the leaders’ attire reflects status, local customs and the nation’s identity. “The motifs and decorative designs chosen for Tenun Pahang Diraja use the ikat cuai and bunga colek tabur techniques, each with its own philosophy. The patterns of this woven cloth are a heritage that carries the identity, status and beliefs of the Malay community in Pahang.” The achievement highlights the Malaysian Prison Department’s dedication to providing inmates with meaningful rehabilitation through skill-based training programmes. “The achievement also proves that every individual has the potential to change and succeed when given a second chance.” Wan Yuzaini said inmates undergo structured training covering all stages of traditional fabric production, from thread preparation and loom setup to advanced weaving techniques using the kek tenun at the Bentong Prison weaving workshop. The courses are conducted by trained prison officers who closely supervise each phase to ensure precision and quality, he said. “Quality control is given utmost priority to ensure that every woven fabric meets the standards of Tenun Pahang Diraja, with inmates participating in regular courses and workshops to maintain the highest level of craftsmanship.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail hosted the gala dinner for Asean leaders and guests at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. – Bernama Tenun Pahang Diraja adorns leaders at dinner reception

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH AND HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday called for renewed unity and purpose within Asean as he welcomed Timor-Leste into the regional bloc, marking its

h i s t o r i c admission as the 11th member. Speaking at the opening of the 47th Asean Summit here, Anwar said Malaysia, as this year’s Asean Chair, bore the

and a roadmap towards full membership – a process now brought to completion under Malaysia’s chairmanship. With Timor-Leste’s accession, Asean achieves full geographical representation of Southeast Asia. The nation of 1.4 million remains reliant on oil and gas exports, though agriculture and services are becoming stronger contributors to its economy. Its GDP expanded by 3.4% last year to US$1.99 billion and is projected to grow by 3.9 % this year, supported by easing inflation and improving fiscal stability.

o PM marks historic admission of Timor-Leste, pledging bold, inclusive leadership and renewed regional unity

2002 following a UN-supervised referendum in 1999. It formally applied to join Asean in 2011, embarking on a decade-long effort to meet the bloc’s economic and institutional benchmarks. In November 2022, Asean leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor Leste, granting it observer status

Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste. The last nation to join before Timor-Leste was Cambodia, which became Asean’s 10th member on April 30, 1999. Timor-Leste gained independence from Indonesia in

responsibility of steering the bloc through a period of global uncertainty with vision, courage and conviction. “Timor-Leste’s historic admission into Asean today gives new meaning to that vision,” he said, congratulating President José Manuel Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão. “Its place here completes the Asean family, reaffirming our shared destiny and deep sense of regional unity.” The admission ceremony, witnessed by Anwar and the 10 Asean leaders, symbolised the culmination of more than a decade of engagement and preparation by Timor-Leste to join the grouping. Anwar said the country’s accession reflected Asean’s enduring commitment to inclusivity, stability and shared growth across Southeast Asia. “With Timor-Leste joining, the bloc grows not just in size, but in spirit. The future of Asean will be written by choice – by the choices we make today.” He also highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, including promoting peace in Myanmar, expanding trade and advancing digital and energy transitions. Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta signed the declaration formalising his nation’s full participation in Asean, witnessed by Anwar and his counterparts from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. Founded in 1967, Asean now comprises 11 member states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, KUALA LUMPUR: Timor-Leste’s accession into Asean is a “dream realised” and a powerful affirmation of the Timorese people’s journey marked by resilience, determination and hope, said Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. Speaking at the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor Leste into Asean at the 47th Asean Summit here yesterday, Gusmao said the milestone also reaffirms Asean’s vision of a truly united family of nations bound by shared values, common aspirations and a collective destiny. “Today, history is made. Timor-Leste has been admitted as the 11th Member State of Asean. “For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realised, but a

Gusmao (fifth from left) and Anwar with other Asean leaders pose for photos during the opening ceremony of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN Defining chapter of resilience, shared destiny for region

left behind.” Highlighting the opportunities ahead, Gusmão said Asean membership brings immense prospects in trade, investment, education and the digital economy. “We are ready to learn, to innovate and to uphold good governance, strengthening our institutions as we walk together toward sustainable development.” He emphasised that the nation’s Asean journey “is not the end of a journey – this is the beginning of an inspiring new chapter”. “Together, we will advance the Asean Community Vision 2045 – a peaceful, prosperous, resilient and people-centred Asean, with Timor-Leste as an active contributor.”

He said Timor-Leste’s accession is a testament to the spirit of its people – “a young democracy, born from struggle, now embracing a new era of collaboration and growth within one of the world’s most dynamic regions”. He added that Timor-Leste joins Asean “with humility and with pride”, fully embracing the bloc’s core values of mutual respect, peaceful cooperation, unity in diversity and regional solidarity. “Timor-Leste enters Asean with full commitment to its Charter, ready to be a constructive, peaceful and devoted member. We pledge to work with all member states to keep our region peaceful, open and prosperous, and to be part of efforts to build resilience, deepen unity and ensure that no one is

powerful affirmation of our journey – one marked by resilience, determination, and hope. For Asean, it is the continuation of a vision – a truly united family of nations, bound together by shared values, common aspirations, and a collective destiny.” Gusmao expressed deep gratitude to all Asean member states, the Asean Chair and the Asean Secretariat for their trust, encouragement and unwavering solidarity throughout Timor-Leste’s long and purposeful path to membership. “Since we applied in 2011, we have prepared our institutions, reformed our policies and strengthened our readiness – guided by the wisdom, support and patience of Asean and its partners,” Bernama reported.